Austintown Intermediate School third graders Rudra Ratel, left, and Isabella Whalen react to a story read by school Superintendent David Cappuzzello Wednesday afternoon during World Read Aloud Day. Photo by Allie Vugrincic

AUSTINTOWN — Austintown Intermediate School was bustling Wednesday as more than 100 adults came in to read aloud to students throughout the building in celebration of World Read Aloud Day.

“The whole building is doing it,” said third-grade language arts teacher Lori Lecue. “Even the specialists, music teachers, art teachers, gym teachers. The whole building is on board.”

Lecue said the day, filled with guest readers ranging from parents to school administrators and even the Chick-Fil-A cow, was designed to inspire children to read.

“I think more than anything it promotes interest and makes them want to read more on their own,” said Lecue. “They like seeing new faces here, too.”

Lecue said she reads aloud to her students every day, but bringing in guests allows the students to hear new voices. Reading aloud also creates a space for question-and-answer with the students.

“I think when you read aloud you can stop, where they may not necessarily make that natural stop and make connections with it,” she said.

Readers paused to ask students questions about where they thought the story was going, or what details stood out to them.

“It’s important to read,” said third-grader Olivia Voytko, who said reading is one of her favorite things to do. She said reading aloud could help build confidence.

Third-grader Jacob Trautman said reading is important “so that your mind can grow and figure out things that are interesting in the world.”

He said his favorite book read Wednesday was “Walter the Farting Dog,” — a tale about a dog who passed gas often, much to his human family’s dismay. At the end, he saves the family’s belongings from robbers with a powerful one.

Trautman said he liked that Walter “actually did something useful to his family even though his dad didn’t like him.”

Austintown Local Schools Superintendent David Cappuzzello read the book, as well as “If You Give a Dog a Donut” to Lecue and Gina Velicko’s third-graders.

“You want to share with the kids the adventure of the book and the love of reading,” Cappuzzello said.

He said he wanted to show the kids that even though he’s an administrator, he still appreciates reading. With a history in teaching, Cappuzzello said he also enjoyed getting back to the classroom for the afternoon.

In its 11th year, World Read Aloud Day is celebrated in 173 countries, according to Austintown curriculum director William Young.

Young read a book about letters to the third-graders.

“The best part was seeing the excitement in the students as they actively engaged in the story I read,” said Young. “My goal was to help grow their love of reading.”